Dawson’s

Second time here for business and just as delicious as the first time. I had the Duck with mashed potatoes and it was soooo good! What was even tastier was their chocolate soufflé. If you love soufflé you will LOVE theirs. Best of all, I only had to take the elevator from my room to eat this well. Win win!

Holy moly we had such a great experience here! Arty our server was hands-​down the best server I’ve had at any restaurant in my life… ever. He wasn’t pushy at all but had this very real, authentic charm about him. The food was just plain delicious. There wasn’t anything fancy or overdone about it, but every bite was so good. If you’re looking for a good ol’ steakhouse with amazing meat, and an upscale, yet unpretentious, dining experience, this is your place.

My gf and I came here to celebrate her birthday. We were definitely impressed with both the service and the food. Our server, I forgot his name, was extremely knowledgable and very professional. He was really patient with us while we were deciding on our dinner options and made great recommendations on wine pairings.
The steak came out cooked perfectly with the black truffle butter crust. They also have a great selection of sauces to enhance your steak with. Definitely a must try!

Amazing experience at at fine steak house that’s approachable and non stuffy. One of the best filet mignon cuts prepared to perfection. One of the best I’ve ever had. Also the wedge salad with their house ranch is very good. Mashed potatoes are better than your typical ones. Super creamy and rich with flavor. Cocktails and wines are also quite extensive and delicious. I’m a fan.

I tried making reservation at this point several times but either those time slots were booked or I had to cancel due to other plans. Finally, I managed to dine in here with my family on a Friday night. The food was really good but I had strange experience with the people sitting in the restaurant. One of the ladies come up to our table and says, this place is not to bring little kids. And we ruined their dining experience. I have no idea, how my child spoilt their experience because it was a eye sore for them to see a 1 year old in the restaurant on the phone. She has the nerves to tell my family to get out of the restaurant. I think customers like them should be banned from going out to restaurants. They need to stay home and watch tv like coach potato. I guess they were never kids before. I would have understood if my child was crying or screaming but she was doing none of those items. That part ruined our evening. And people should know if the restaurants are offering kids menu that means they are welcoming kids to the restaurant not only adults.
Only complain I had was the plates were small. The waiter told us the plates would be really big which it wasn’t. Overall, the food was great here.

Surprisingly good restaurant, especially for hotel property.
Relaxing, wood-​paneled ambiance, perfectly-​prepared steak and excellent, attentive service (Garren).
Definitely a gem.

awesome customer service (thank you garren) the first night we had a party of (30) and our server, and food was «excellent» such a great experience, we had dinner here two more nights during our stay!
special shout out to our server (garren) for the great hospitality, and working so hard to meet our needs
all the best,
ms. love

We were staying one night at the Hyatt and couldn’t decide where to eat. We ended up just going downstairs to eat and we were blown away! Superb service! From beginning to end this was an insanely enjoyable meal. Our server was outstanding. He brought us several wines to taste before choosing a bottle and had great suggestions about the menu. He even filled my boyfriend’s mom’s glass with cranberry juice since she doesn’t drink wine. We had the lobster mac and cheese, beet salad, and prime rib.

Well darn I hit edit instead of update and lost my I tore review. Now I get to start over.
Hub and try to pick a different establishment every time we go out. We wanted something special on special occasions. 12 years and we have never been to Dawson’s at the Hyatt.
What a wonderful gem. Truly a marvelous experience. Our servers, yes you read the right, servers, were very attentive. We didn’t have to lift a finger. We lifted our forks but nothing else. Our water glasses were filled, our champagne glasses were never empty. We were Mede to feel like we were their only customers.
I ordered the Mary’s All Natural Duck breast. Accompanied by black eyed peas, collard greens finished with a light demi-​glaze… Fantastic. The hub ordered the prime rib. He is all about the beef. Hub also ordered the large asparagus to share because he knows I like it. The sides come in two sizes (two prices).
For dessert he ordered the lemon tart. He likes tarts (he married me ;)) I ordered the chocolate soufflé. Be warned it takes about 15 min for the soufflé. We also order coffee. We like our French press. Our server brought out the press and told us he would be back in a moment to press and to pour. Again, we did not have to lift a finger. He came back and pressed and poured. Our deserts immediately followed. I’m pretty sure I saw hubs eyes roll. I know mine did. The soufflé was perfection.
The waitstaff have been trained to serve. You do not have to search for someone or ask for it. This is how it should be.
If you want a wonderful experience put Dawson’s on your list.
I forgot to mention our little taster while we waited for dinner. Our server brought out a palate enhancer, I don’t know any other way to call it. It was little something to fire the taste buds.
1 shrimp with chorizo in a delicate demiglaze. It was fantastic. Such a tease too. But I like it like that :). Tease me and please me and they did. All around!
My newest update.
I could not remember this for the life of me. This was our little teaser before dinner.
An amuse-​bouche [amyzbu] (plural bouches) or amuse-​gueule [amyzœl] is a single, bite-​sized hors d’œuvre.[1] Amuse-​bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but are served gratis and according to the chef’s selection alone. These, often accompanied by a complementing wine, are served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse into the chef’s approach to the art of cuisine.
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Calm here to celebrate my husbands birthday. Nice atmosphere. We ordered the mussels and oysters to start and then 28days dry aged, salt crust prime rib, spinach, duck fries, lobster Mac n cheese, cheesecake, and chocolate soufflé.
Overall, mussels, spinach, and the salt crust prime rib was the best! All other items did not exceed our expectations but was good.

One of those places EASILY dined in with a cozy date, family gathering, or just someone special as it has a warm, intimate setting.
The drink and wine list are longer than the actual menu itself and the menu doesn’t have any pictures. Some may quickly get intimidated by the menu, but the servers are really nice with helping whatever it is you’re craving to eat.
The only thing I can say is, if you’re HUNGRY or in the mood to eat 2 whoppers or down a double double the food here will most likely NOT fill you up! I ordered a salad and it was a JOKE– came with a few slices of tomatoes, pears, and 4 pieces of mixed greens garnished with the dressing. I actually thought they made a mistake when they brought it out.
OH and when I came here the bread was like a ciabatta bread and tasted like it was left on display on the counter for a few days. Lol but other than that, the service is EXCEPTIONAL and it’s nice that the servers are very engaging with you. That was made up for my tomato pieces and 1 ounce of alfalfa sprouts in which was called a salad, an extra star for you Dawson.

Are here last night for the Dine Downtown deal. The food was fantastic, especially for 35 $. The shrimp starter was delicious, the filets were amazing except that we ordered Med Rare and our filets were damn near raw. And the apple tart for dessert was great. Portions seemed small initially but we’re just right.
The reason for the missing 5^th star was our server and the greeter.
We walked in to nobody at the greet stand for several minutes then a young man with a curly faux hawk sauntering over with no regard for us asking how many? We had a reservation which we told him and I gave him a shocked look. That resonated because he immediately started small talk «how are you» etc. His demeanor was anything but friendly and inviting.
Our server was a larger round fellow who was unnecessarily condescending. It was so off putting. He also had a terrible habit of interrupting conversations. As a server not only should you be courteous but be aware of your guests and their experience. Everything was a question from him, but in an excessive way, it was irritating and not helpful or polite.
I would not come back based on this. Plenty of other places I could get a nice dinner in a dimly lit date spot without being insulted. The food was really great as was the ambience; but the experience was really uncomfortable and disappointing.

First time trying this «Dine Downtown» thing. I love food in general and I love fine dining. So I thought to myself why not try this event out for only $ 35 and receive a 3 course meal. I knew I would try more then just the 3 course meal of course.
Dawson’s is located inside of the Hyatt Hotel. The entrance says that it’s full, so we went to the side and what do you know? There’s more parking for the hotel. The first to the third floor are for valet only. Self parking is on level 4 and 5. We took the elevator to level 2, where the hotel entrance is. We should have just taken the first floor instead of the level 2 entrance into the hotel because we had to walk downstairs anyway.
Sometimes I get this feeling, that if I walk into a restaurant that’s not Applebees, or upscale people judge. The host looked at us like «oh please don’t come in here» ahahahahha. But my boyfriend and I joked about it because we may look young but we tip really well. Plus when we walked in we were the only «young Asian» couple in there. Oh well.
Our server was nice, he explained dine downtown, and the two specials of the night. They have wine/​beer/​alcohol selections on an Ipad. The menu showed what they had on their menu as well as what to pair the meal with.
We ordered: the Dine Downtown menu and ordered mussels. We paired those with Beer: blue moon and guiness. I also ordered a dessert wine. It said moscato and I didn’t even think twice. Our server goes, «to be honest that’s a dessert wine, would you like that now or at the end of your meal.» I wanted to say, «I know what I chose.» but instead I politely said that it was ok and I would like it now please.
First course: Jumbo Shrimp (with an order of Mussels)
second course: 5 oz petite steak
third course: apple tart with ice cream
What they tasted like: if you know fine dining you’d know that the portions are small. I ate everything in two bites. My boyfriend was so cute he goes, what’s the proper way to eat? ahahhahaha. I was too hungry to enjoy, sit, and talk. The food was great, I really enjoyed it. The dessert though, I didn’t care too much about because I thought the green thing inside of the ice cream was extremely biter and tasted like alcohol.
Why did I eat my food so fast? After our server left, he took care of 3 other tables, it took him about 15 minutes to come back to our table to take our order. Which was ok, because we’re servers we understood. But it took 30 minutes after that after we’ve finished our first course for the next meal to come out. After a while my boyfriend made a face, and I asked him what was wrong. He goes, «our server went to their table more then one time on their first meal, than our entire 3 course meal. That made me laugh because I didn’t notice, but after a while, I saw him go to their table again and he goes, yes take your time, I didn’t mean to keep bothering you. hahahahaha. I told him, they think we’re young and that we probably wouldn’t tip him. Oh well. We tipped him 18%. I don’t know if that’s too little or enough.
On the plus side, they validate. =) Honestly I thought the food was great. But the service was ok. I didn’t want him to excessively come over to our table but maybe make us feel more welcomed. I’m pretty sure i’m older than he is. This isn’t my first time at restaurant like this. I didn’t think the Foundation Restaurant was all that fancy but they made us feel welcomed. I’d go back anyway … ahhaah

Not quite sure why this place has 4 stars, maybe it’s the service because the food isn’t that great. Did dine in downtown with the 3 course pre fixe menu. If that menu is a preview of what they serve that I am glad we didn’t drop anymore that we did. I was there for the steak portion of the meal. Eh, the steak was not great. Not incredibly horrible but not anything to brag about either. The steak was a bit tough to cut through and kind of tasteless. The dessert was less than stellar. It tasted as if it came out of a box that had been sitting in the freezer for a while. Add to that the fact that it wasn’t warmed thru and it makes for a disappointing dessert experience and overall dining experience. Sorry Dawson’s but I have had better steak…

We came for Dine Downtown and got the 3-​course. Ok Prawn then undercooked Fillet then a previously frozen apple tart of which the ice cream didn’t even melt… need I say more? Not satisfied.

Incredible.
I came for the dine in downtown (3 course pre fixe menu) to experience Dawson’s for the first time and I am so glad I did. The restaurant is located in the Hyatt hotel, and never in a million years would I even consider coming here if it wasn’t for restaurant week (unless I actually stayed at the hotel). The parking garage and valet parking was full upon arrival due to the black and blue ball event otherwise parking wouldn’t be an issue. (L & 12^th, they validate as well).
My server’s name was Rick, I believe. He was an old white man with such a sweet soul. He apologized for the wait and explained they were short staffed due to a recent passing of a parent. I didn’t realize we waited long. Such a great guy.
1^st course: jumbo shrimp. It was so delicious and cooked to perfection. A great first tease!
2^nd course: filet mignon. My god. If someone asked me for a piece, I would not share (and I usually share). Nope. Get your own. It was very satisfying and great quality! **Oh yeah I also got a free glass of red with Unilocal check-​in, perfect pairing with the steak.
3^rd course: Apple jack tart. I was full from the first two, the dessert was just okay.
Cocktail: St. Mure’s. Depending on preference, I love my drinks a bit strong (ex: Long Island is my default) and this one did justice. You definitely can taste the vodka with the fruity notes.
I’ll have to make this my stop every year. The floor manager and other people came to check on us and the food as well. The service was on point. I look forward to trying their $ 40 cioppino next time!

A very solid steakhouse nestled in the heart of downtown Sac and totally worth visiting in spite of the eyebrows the location (in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Sacramento) may raise for some folks.
My family, girlfriend and I got together to start 2016 off right and a dinner filled with brotein and wine seemed to fit the bill perfectly. While the appetizers looked interesting and enticing, we went straight to the good stuff with a range of dishes: grass fed beef tenderloin, salt-​crusted prime rib, American kobe flatiron and the catch of the day.
Both steaks were nicely seasoned and cooked exactly to specifications. My grass fed tenderloin was mad tender on the inside and my one gripe for both cuts was just the temperature as both were fairly lukewarm upon arrival. My dad’s sea bass turned out very well with a great sear and popping flavors. I would pass on the prime rib though as it was seriously underseasoned.
To accompany all the mains, wild mushrooms and a whopping portion of lobster mac & cheese delivered through and through. A large portion of the latter ran just $ 11 and the blend of cheeses was spot on; any fans of blue cheese would appreciate the underpinnings of the stinky goodness in the flavor profile.
At the end, we destroyed a couple of exceptionally well-​made chocolate souffles and a fantastic carrot cake that had a surprisingly elegant presentation. And not being particular at all to carrot cake, even I had to take several moments to savor the balance of the cake’s moistness and the softer sweetness of the silky cream cheese frosting.
Atmosphere and service were both on point with a spacious table right by the open kitchen and our server, Chris, who took great care of us throughout the mea

The Christmas Day Buffet at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento has been an annual tradition for several years. Time: 10am — 3pm, Adults: $ 64.95, Kids (5 – 12): $ 32.95.
There is a breakfast station with offerings like omelets, waffles, country sausage, bacon, and Eggs Benedict. The lunch buffet selections include prime rib carved to order, maple glazed country ham, roast turkey with dressing and gravy, and a variety of seafood on ice. Other stations feature a limited variety of salads and deserts.
The buffet tables are set up in the hotel’s front lobby around a large Christmas tree and extend down the hall into the hotel’s restaurant. Health nuts will be shocked that there are no conventional sneeze guards over the food. It is just out in the open for hundreds of people to breath on!
While other Sacramento area hotels (DoubleTree) offer regular Sunday buffets for $ 19.95, the Hyatt Regency’s annual «special» event price seems excessive. Is the food quality and the number of selections really worth the price? The short answer is no. We did not find that the food quality and the number of selections was any better than a regular Sunday buffet.

My bartender Laura was awesome! ! Yes she was in the AMOURATH, but totally took care of Apple. Employees before Company party!

Was visiting Sacramento,(my hometown). I’m always on the hunt for great steaks. This was close to where I was staying so I tried the bone in rib eye. It arrived and looked ok. But it was not seasoned and was full of sinew. The sign of not choosing the right cut of beef. Sorry but fancy does not mean good food.

I have had two dinners at Dawson’s and both were excellent!
This visit I decided to eat a little on the light side so I ordered a soup (corn and crab) a appetizer (mussels in saffron broth) and a salad (their version of a Wedge salad) and everything was really delicious. Just the right size of portion and I was totally satisfied.
Service was really top drawer. My water and Iced tea never went past half full, dishes cleared in a prompt manner, friendly without being intrusive and knowledgeable about the menu items .
Prices are comparable to the other nice dining rooms in the area.

A Resturant in a Hotel may not be the first thing you think of when you are looking for a great place to get a steak, however, Dawson’s in the Hyatt is outstanding!
Rick our server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was all around excellent. My wife and I both had steaks, NY cut. The were cooked perfectly. I had the mushrooms and a lobster side that were both perfect.
Their wine selection is also wide ranging. You can find something great to suit your tastes.
For desert we had the German chocolate cake, not on the menu, but Rick our server, arranged for us to get a huge slice to share. We took home the leftovers and enjoyed it again.
We will be Back to Dawson’s and I recommend it highly.

All I have to say is this is the place to wine and dine. Great food, great service and an impeccable experience.
Try the cioppino, it will not disappoint!

I have eaten at Dawson’s several times, since I attend a conference in the hotel every other year since 2010. It has always been good, but my most recent event inspired this review.
Last night I had an outstanding meal with a very attentive waiter, Chris. I was feeling like eating a very simple/​straightforward meal, and I really lucked out. The warm spinach salad with apples and bacon perfectly complemented the enormous pork chop, from a hazelnut munching pig.
My friend had the French onion soup and the poached shrimp starter, and was also happy with her selection. We stuck to water, and finished with herb tea, mine was ginger lemon, as a nice end to a busy day at a conference.

Wow! That’s all I have to say about our experience at Dawson’s. My fiancée and I were looking for a new place to dine when we decided to check out Dawson’s based on their 1^st place people’s choice award in the Sacramento Burger Battle. Upon arriving, our server Ardy went completely out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and sitting in the best seat. From his recommendations to masterfully guiding us through the menu, he provided an experience that was unsurpassed. We asked for the winning burger. It was not on the menu but not only did Ardy make it happen for us, he actually had the chef who created it, Brandon Leonard, make it for us! Not only that, but Brandon actually came out to discuss the burger with us. A juicy patty with brisket, okra, caramelized bourbon sauce in a butter brioche bun. Hands down. The BEST BURGER AROUND. It was a master piece crafted by a true artist.
In short, dining at Dawson’s was an unexpectedly amazing experience. From the service from Ardy, to the burger made by Brandon, to the ambiance, it really is a gem in Sacramento.

This place is really good. I’ve been to this restaurant on a few occasions, mostly for a nice steak dinner. This place hasn’t disappointed yet. The food is good, creative, with very nice presentation. The staff is friendly, helpful, attentive and does a good job with wine recommendations to pair and match the main course.
The only reason I can’t give this place 5 stars is because in my opinion this place is a little bit over priced. Having been here for a set meal, as well as ordering off of the menu, in my opinion it’s a bit expensive for what you get with what you pay for it…
All in all, this place is definitely a fun, relaxed atmosphered restaurant that you’re sure to have a great time at and enjoy what they have to offer. I would definitely recommend going to an open menu dinner, as opposed to a pre-​set menu.

No one ever thinks fine dining to be associated with a Chain Hotel, but this little hidden treasure was such a great experience from food, service, ambiance, and everything in between.
On a whim the hubs and I call my brother for an impromptu double date night. It’s been a while since we all caught up with one another and what better way to do it than at a nice restaurant where they don’t rush you out the door.
Location: Inside the Hyatt Hotel. You can either self park or have a parking attendant park your vehicle for you. Either way, you’re going to pay. We took Lyft because we knew going into dinner that we’d most likely have a couple of drinks and we sensed that we wouldn’t know where we’d end up. So better to be safe than sorry.
Service: Rick was our server. He was great. At first he was busy because he was working with a table of 16 that split their checks and he was very apologetic for the wait, but we were with good company and had already ordered two bottles of wine, so we were good. After Rick’s table of 16 left he was more attentive and catered to all our needs.
The FOOD! Let me tell you about the amazing party that was going on in my mouth as I ate and tasted everything!
For starts we had:
1. The Crab Cake ($ 16): 2 Large Crab cakes filled with crab that you can taste it at each bite. I know they put minimal stuff in the cake because as soon as I took a fork to it, it crumbled with crab. Moist and Delicious.
2. The Scallops ($ 16): If you asked me which starter was better, I’d say pick the scallops. Cooked to buttery perfection; Melt in your mouth goodness that will leave you wanting more.
The Mains:
3. The Rack of Lamb ($ 40): From Superior Farms, grass fed delicious Lamb. Most delicious lamb I’ve ever had. Not gamey at all. I think people confuse «gamey» with taste sometimes. Beef tastes like beef, pork has a distinct flavor, and lamb does too. «Gamey» is just gross. I can’t describe gamey since it’s been a while since I’ve had anything gross. But more people should eat lamb. It’s sooo good!
4. Rib Eye with Black Truffle Butter ($ 42): Large succulent cut of melt in your mouth beef. I practically begged the hubs to order this because I wanted to taste it sooo bad. He’s happy he listened to me!
5. Pork Chop ($ 38): It was delicious for a pork chop. Huge piece! The sauce that accompanied it just further enhanced the flavor.
6. Prime Rib ($ 28): Not as great as Banderas, but pretty melt in your mouth tasty.
Dessert:
7. Chocolate Soufflé: Not too sweet nor mushy. Cooked to fluffly perfection!
I would love to have dinner here again!

I have only been to Dawson’s twice, both times for my birthday. The first time was last year, and had to return again this year.
Our server is Ardy and he is just so amazing. Anyone who has ever had him as their server would agree! My mom always uses Open Table to make her reservations and makes a little note that we are celebrating a birthday, and both times we have been given glasses of bubbly on the house, plus amuses. Both such nice touches.
Bread and olive tapenade begins the meal. The tapenade is my mother’s FAVORITE and they always send her home with some. Crab cakes were outstanding, not deep fried but pan-​fried. I LOVE steak, and both times to Dawson’s I have ordered a little-​more-​than-​rare NY Strip with bone marrow crust and brandy/​green peppercorn sauce on the side. AMAZING. Always cooked perfectly and also comes with a little roasted garlic purée that is divine.
The sides are delicious as well, our favorites being the creamed spinach and lobster mac and cheese. These are also reasonably priced and will make a great addition to your meal!
Chocolate soufflé is the house specialty dessert, and I like to get Disaronno along with it.
Dawson’s is my favorite place to get a steak in Sacramento and will continue to be a birthday tradition for me! (Except for my 30^th because I’ve already decided I’m going to the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter for that… hahaha!)

So it’s Christmas Day and we are starving! We ate sushi and snacks the day before plus lots of alcohol. We went down the Capitol and took pictures with the tree!
Franticly we searched for something open on Christmas on Unilocal.Called like 10 restaurants and they were the first that responded. They said no reservations till 8:45 but the bar was open so that’s all we needed.
They are located in the Hyatt which is really nice. When we walked in there was some huge buffet going on. We asked the bartender and he said we were welcome to eat for $ 54 a person which included the buffet and a glass of champagne. Done!
We each had like 4 or 5 servings. There was an eggs Benedict station with sausage and bacon an waffles. They had a full seafood bar. Including crab lags!!! Omg I’m in heaven. There was a meat carving section and all the fixings. Potatoes were the only disappointment but with all this good food who cares lol. We stayed away from the salad bar ofcourse for obvious reasons lol.
I loved their dessert bar, so much I went twice. To top it off my husband Scott Patel sold a house to a worker there and he paid for our meal. Wow can’t believe we had such an impromptu amazing brunch. Plus the Heat beat the Cavaliers! Merry Christmas!
Too add you get a free glass of wine with a check in. They have these buffets on every special occasions. Last table at 3:30